Conflict

The Mint Theater Company presents this 1925 love story set against the backdrop of a hotly contested election in London. A provocative romance that sizzles with both wit and ideas.
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Lady Dare Bellingdon has everything she could want, yet she craves something more. Dare’s man, Sir Major Ronald Clive, is standing for Parliament with the backing of Dare’s father. Clive is a Conservative, of course, but he’s liberal enough to be sleeping with Dare, who’s daring enough to take a lover, but too restless to marry him. Clive’s opponent, Tom Smith is passionate about social justice and understands the joy of having something to believe in. Dare is “the woman between” two candidates who both want to make a better world—until politics become personal, and mudslinging threatens to soil them all.

"With Miles Malleson's 1925 'Conflict,' being given its New York premiere, the Mint has uncovered a brilliant political and social drama which has tremendous relevance for today with its dissection of conservative and liberal points of view. It resembles Shaw and Tom Stoppard in its debate of ideas and Galsworthy and Arthur Miller in its moral integrity. Superbly directed by Jenn Thompson with a crackerjack cast…It is also the most satisfying play in town."
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“A superb and perfectly realized revival...Malleson’s play proceeds quietly then delivers its blows with increasing strides toward a dynamic conclusion...Not enough praise can be bestowed upon the actors, director, and creative team. Certainly, they have elevated Malleson as a ‘modernist’ and timeless playwright...Above all, honor goes to The Mint Theater for its extraordinary efforts with this luminous work...This gobsmacking prodution is a must-see.”
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“A beautiful production of a lost gem of a play, complete with smart and clear direction, wonderful performances, and impeccable design...The plot acts as a delivery system for fascinating character portraits, intriguing debates about capitalism versus socialism, and a sympathetic, multidimensional depiction of a woman who chooses to live her life on her own terms. ‘Conflict’ is by turns charming, infuriating, touching, thought-provoking,and funny...The performance of Beck stands out."
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“A sharp piece of social commentary that has lost little or none of its relevance. And, under Jenn Thompson's assured direction of a sparkling cast, it's a rattling good tale...Thanks to Thompson's steady hand and a cast that embraces every line of this charming artifice, ‘Conflict’ never feels like a mishmash of styles; instead, the progression from one mood to the next feels like the natural result of the characters and their choices.”
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"This love story set in the roaring 20s and revolving around a hotly contested election, has a nice au courant flavor...All these character are familiar archetypes. However, it's fun to meet Malleson's version of them. Not to be underestimated are the pleasures offered by this production's designers, all of whom ably serve the drama...Miles Malleson's plays once again validate the Mint as a retriever of gems from the theatrical attic of forgotten works."
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"The Mint Theater turns out first-rate productions of little-known early 20th-century British plays with such regularity that it would be easy to take them for granted...As usual, the Mint offers a strong cast, a splendid set and striking costumes. Jenn Thompson’s direction reveals an aptitude for this material. It may not be as witty as Shaw, but it’s not as didactic either. I enjoyed it."
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“Could not be more relevant...An engaging plot that eerily reminds one of America’s current socio-political environment...A brilliantly constructed farce...Malleson’s point of view is refreshingly modern and decidedly progressive...His writing is fresh, invigorating, and formidable...Thompson’s direction is astute and moves the action forward at a desirable pace...Malleson uses his characters’ alluring conflicts to construct a dramatic narrative that utilizes the rich smorgasbord of rhetorica...
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"It is an immaculately well-made, comprehensively satisfying piece of theater, old-fashioned in style without feeling at all dated, and the Mint’s production, directed by Jenn Thompson and featuring an ensemble cast of supreme merit, is beyond praise...No New York-based theater company has a better batting average...What stands out in her production of 'Conflict' is its understated delicacy: No voices are raised, no hair is torn, yet the play’s powerful emotions come through loud and clear."
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"A beautifully crafted and totally absorbing play...The play reminds us of a better time for creative writing in theater when craft, structure, wit, and wisdom were all part of the recipe for a nourishing three act play that happily took its time unraveling a plot that gave life to a fully rounded set of characters while supplying material for half a dozen actors to run with. The small Mint has managed to corral seven of the best of these players, and all of them deliver crackling good perfor...
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“Pure gold...While written in the 1920s and reflecting that time, it also holds the mirror up to our time. It concerns politics, sex, class, and even freedom of the press and health care...The work is rich in potent and hilarious one liners...Malleson delineates class differences with a scalpel, not a hacksaw. His characters are fully developed, not mere sounding boards for ideas...The beautiful, tasteful production was skillfully directed by Thompson.”
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“The conflict at the forefront of this 1925 play by Miles Malleson, receiving an excellent production...is a political battle for a seat in Parliament. But Malleson is also exploring friction between classes, lovers, generations, and philosophies, as well as inner conflicts, embodied most tellingly in the character of the aptly named Lady Dare Bellingdon...A masterpiece of tension and exposition. And Malleson is evenhanded in doling out the witticisms.”
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"'Conflict' feels deceptively lightweight until it doesn't. It is less than a love triangle, but more than a simple love story. Lady Dare (Jessie Shelton) takes a journey of emotional and intellectual discovery, frustrated by mansplaining some 90 years before the word was invented. Here conflicting political ideas do not lead to hate but to understanding, and so on some level, it is a fairy tale. But these partial pieces add up to an incredible whole -a play that is thoroughly entertaining."
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“An entertaining and thoughtful drama zeroing in on class differences, politics and relationships entwined in the issues...How the relationship between Lady Dare and Smith develops and the resulting upheaval this causes is developed with Malleson’s expertise and the superb performances all around...Thompson imbues the play with realism, stature and insight, and sometimes humor...‘Conflict’, although written nearly a century ago, has much to say that seems currently relevant."
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“Impeccably staged...An exceptional 1925 romantic political tale...Directed with wit and verve...’Conflict’ never descends into preachy pablum as it explores the socioeconomic and cultural differences among rich and poor, conservative and liberal, male and female in post-WWI England...An elegant and precise work that demands close attention, filled with myriad small touches that almost pass you by as you get caught up in its all-too-relevant story of strange bedfellows indeed.”
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“Balances romance with righteousness...Thompson lovingly drapes the show's wit and wisdom in a period feel that never lapses. The biggest delights come from the smallest roles...In reviving this play centered on wealth disparity, Thompson strikes a theme that resonates today...Without ignoring the complexities hidden within such imbalances, Malleson, with the help of the Mint, exposes them through a vibrantly human story."
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“The play could just as easily have been set in the 2010s rather than the 1920s. Malleson intrigues us with amusing and intriguing one liners, some not unlike today’s comedy...The performances by the seven cast members are excellent...Beck is just right as the not overly self-righteous and well-meaning Tom Smith. Through the splendidly portrayed Mrs. Robinson, by White, Malleson also explores frustrated voter apathy, again, not unlike today.”
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"As it is, 'Conflict' is a fascinating time capsule of British social and political attitudes in the early years of women's suffrage...Dare is a plum role, and if Jessie Shelton perhaps overdoes the character's affectations in the earlier scenes of the Mint production, she expertly and movingly communicates the raising of the woman's consciousness...Director Jenn Thompson aids and abets these wonderfully nuanced portrayals."
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“A production beautifully rendered, fully intact, and ready for examination...A well-meaning and well-mannered social commentary wrapped up neatly in a...love story...Perfectly paced, meticulously directed...It won’t blow your socks off with gritty or strongly worded arguments, but what it does do is find its way in quietly and with well-meaning politeness into our modern sensibilities, making a thoughtful connection to our current problematic dilemmas of class and structure.”
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"An unexpectedly interesting, politically-based, British romantic dramedy from 1925… It's quite fascinating, nearly 100 years after the play was written, to hear 1925 characters talk about…issues that continue to separate conservatives and liberals…The actors offer the equivalent of a quality stock company performance, smooth and capable, but unexceptional…Still the performances are sufficient unto the purpose of keeping us glued to the narrative and its ideas."
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"This is a smart, solid, entertaining play with believable characters...To my mind, any production with Jeremy Beck is fortunate. Tom’s emotional and physical debilitation as well as the character’s fury with powerlessness is visceral...A splendid performance...Jessie Shelton takes a little time to get her bearings and focus, but having done so, digs her feet in as the headstrong Lady Dare with surety and well manifest evolution...Director Jenn Thompson has a great feel for characterization."
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“Thoroughly engaging...With fast-paced direction by Thompson and brightly polished performances...A competently crafted boulevard comedy...Thompson and the...excellent actors lend a roller-coaster intensity to the narrative ups and downs. The script lacks the heft and originality of 'Hindle Wakes'...but, amid the complications of its conventional romantic plot, Malleson conveys much that’s enlightening about British politics, social mores, and class friction."
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"The Mint’s production is highly enjoyable in just about every way. But while the Malleson script is a worthy find, the play is in no way brilliant, ground-breaking or otherwise distinguished. Interesting and intriguing, yes; but you can see why 'Conflict' quickly disappeared while contemporary plays remain ever present. If you’re looking for a well-mannered, well-produced production of an English-language play that you can revel in, though, 'Conflict' is it."
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"In an impressive cast, Shelton’s impulsive, uncertain Lady Dare stands out. Clarke underplays Sir Ronald, and Beck’s so understated as Tom he’s sometimes inaudible...Director Jenn Thompson gives them all some fetching physical business to point up their social standing, and the two hours-plus fly by. It’s getting almost monotonous to say so, but with 'Conflict,' the Mint has another valuable find on its hands."
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"'Conflict' gets off to a slow start but once Smith returns, tensions escalate...'Conflict' is not quite believable, but like 'Misalliance', it is exciting...The production can boast an adept cast, especially Jessie Shelton who creates a living portrait. Director Jenn Thompson understands dramatic intersections and allows the actors to play out subtext and nuance...A special thanks to Jonathan Bank and the Mint for reviving works by this intriguing artist."
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"'Conflict' thoughtfully observes the difference in social values held by the advocates for the haves and the have-nots in England in the mid-1920s...An agreeable look at early 1920s British politics and morality filtered through a pleasant love story, 'Conflict' receives a typically handsome and neatly acted production...Jenn Thompson, who directs the production, evidently appreciates the play’s moment-by-moment variations in tone and she stages them with confidence and sensitivity."
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See it if
you enjoy very well done plays that, though they are old, they are still relevant.

Don't see it if
you don't like British plays.

Also
A play that is so well done and so well written that it supersedes its age. There may be a few dated references but the arguments are still relevant in today's world. A pretty romance helps a lot.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You love first world problems. Enjoyable fictional time capsule dramedy.

Don't see it if
You can't stand dozens more Cambridge references. Pricey Off Bway ticket. Entertainment can be had much cheaper.

Also
Not a Shaw thing at all. Fantastic and convenient venue. Smart set. Beck, Clarke and Shelton make a fun love triangle. As someone said, Clarke is the best actor. He doesn't have the best part, but it is the best performance. Beck is his social justice warrior opponent. Shelton has the necessary sparkle and allure as the woman they love. Lots of tea and top shelf liquor is consumed. Servants keep the scene changes as crisp as the fine costumes on everyone's backs. It's a long play, but as always with the Mint, expert hands effortlessly make the time pass. Another clear hit. Mint condition.... Read moreRead less

See it if
This play is best described as the “blending of political satire, psychological drama, and romantic comedy’’ written in the program by

Don't see it if
You only like modern day plays

Also
Maya Cantu. It is a period play, set in early 1920s, similar to the later years depicted in Downton Abbey, the Masterpiece Theatre mini-series. Similarly this play reflects upon the aristocracy reckoning with societal change, and the conflict between the Victorian stringent principles and the new generation of women who yearn for freedom, and meaning in their life.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you appreciate older works that, juxtaposed with our contemporary world, now seem shockingly prescient; enjoy Mint Theater Company's shows.

Don't see it if
you dislike: British dramas and/or plays set in the Modern (1920s) Period; political works. If seeking fresh, new dramas, look elsewhere.

Also
Mint Theater Company again breathes new life into an older work, and it feels shockingly pertinent. Called “A Love Story,” Conflict does have romance, but there’s also father-daughter love, and a love of conviction. Political and, at core, simply human, Conflict is plucky. There are a few “risqué” surprises, and I appreciate how Mint always has actors (not casually-dressed crews) serving as maids and butlers to set-rearrange between scenes. You’ll feel fully engaged in the story and world, thanks to the attention to details and The Beckett Theatre’s intimate size. How can we ever intellectually grow if we believe we already know all there is to know—and never question, fail, or interact with the other side? What are women’s roles when it comes to politics and a life of independent thought? There are some questions of empathy in Conflict that arise, the audience taking audible gasps at moments thanks to an awareness of how this 1925 British play could possibly matter to us now. It does.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you love the work of the Mint and appreciate great farce, fine acting and production values in which theme of privilege resonates today. A+

Don't see it if
If you don't like English plays of yore, and don't appreciate plays where characters actually discuss things and feelings in depth not texts

Also
Feel so grateful that the Mint keeps unearthing wonderful vehicles to apply their high standards to. Their productions are usually impeccable, the sets and costumes beautiful and the acting superb. If you haven't discovered them, this would be a fine introduction. It's a wonderful opportunity to slow down your pace to that of an earlier era, but engage with material still absolutely relevant to our times,... Read moreRead less

See it if
you want to see a well directed and well acted jewel of a play. Especially liked the suspense built at the very beginning.

Don't see it if
You don't want a predictable plot, or post Victorian image of women. Although redeemed, the female lead was portrayed as shallow and dim.

Also
I'm surprised I have not seen this show before. It has some fun twists and turns (although by now, a more educated audience can see some of them coming). Pace dragged a little in the first act, but overall, I enjoyed the experience and will add this to my list of gems the Mint theatre co. has unearthed.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you enjoy traditional and well-made plays or are willing to give them a chance.

Don't see it if
you like drawing room comedies or feel you’ve seen one too many.

Also
Calling a play “traditional” &“well-made” is damning it with faint praise. Which is a shame, because a traditional, well-made play often offers up a compelling drama of conflicts & complications that lead to a climax keeping us in our seats & wanting to know what will happen next. That’s what was so engaging about Conflict. So many modern plays strain to be different & “original” but end up being haranguing & undramatic.My main complaint: Dare emerges as the central character & undergoes significant change; her evolving political & personal feelings & decisions would have more credibility (& therefore the whole play would too) if we had a deeper sense of her inner life & a clearer view of the arc of her struggle to break free of the stifling conventions of the English upper class.... Read moreRead less